Circuit connection structure



Oct. 3, 1939. .1. wl-:RTzHElsER 2,175,098

CIRCUIT CONNECTION STRUCTURE Filed July 3l, 1937 25.7 f 1NVEN`T0R.

BY Masi Whg ww Z/ J MAOY.

Patented Oct. 3, 1939 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CIRCUIT CONNECTION STRUCTURE Application July 31, 1937, Serial No. 156,660

5 Claims.

This invention relates to a circuit connection structure of the class including switches, convenience outlets and similar electrical fittings.

The invention will be illustrated by reference to the accompanying drawing in which Fig. l is a plan view.

Fig. 2 is a side view.

Fig. 3 is an end view.

Fig. 4 is a section on the line 4-4 of Fig. 2.

Fig. 5 is a section on line 5 5 of Fig. 4.

Although the description and drawing relate to specific structure, there will be no limitation of the invention except as ultimately set forth in the claims, the specic description being intended merely to illustrate the invention deiined by said claims, properly interpreted.

The housing has side portions l and end portions 2, kthe latter carrying circuit connection means such as binding posts or the like. The unit may contain interiorly thereof any desired circuit connection means, e. g., a switch.

'Ihe unit has a body portion and a cover portion 5 and shoulder portions 6 formed at the junction of the cover and end Walls. A tongue element 8 may project from each side wall and this tongue may be integrally formed in a flange I0 employed to attach the cover to the body portion. The specific manner in which the cover portion is attached to the body portion may be as set forth in my copending application iiled on even date herewith, Serial No. 155,355.

'I'he unit housing is oriented and supported in the outlet box by means of a bridge member l2. This has a long and a short axis the dimension along the former being sufficient to span the outlet box I4 along its long axis. The bridge member has holes I6 for attachment to suitable lugs on said outlet box and other holes I8 to permit a panel to be superimposed thereon.

The bridge member l2 has flange portions 2D and depending skirt portions 22. These respective portions define and encompass a centrally disposed space adapted to receive the housing unit. The ange portions 2B engage the shoulders 6 and the depending skirt portions 22 carry spring fingers 24 adapted to be sprung over and engage the tongue elements 8. The body portion of the housing may be formed of molded plastic material carrying a panel 26 raised in relief thereon. The width of the panel may be slightly less than that of the tongue element 8 on the flange l0 (which is preferably metallic) and in this manner recessed parts 30 are formed at the junction of the panel and tongue whereby the panel 26, tongue 8, recessed portions 3U and spring iingers 24 by mutual inter-engagement secure the bridge member to the housing and cause the flange portions 20 thereof to bear snugly against the shoulders 6. The tongue 8 permits the spring ngers 24 to hold the shoulders 6 in engagement with the flanges 20 and the panel 26 engages the lugs 24', this mutual engagement of panel 26, spring fingers 24 and tongue 8 causing the housing to be secured within the space defined in part by the flanges 20 and the depending skirts 22.

I claim:

l. A circuit connection device adapted for combination with an outlet box comprising a circuit connection housing having bottom, top and side portions, a bridge member having a centrally disposed space defined in part by flange members lying in a plane and engaging parts of the top portion of said housing, and in part by skirt portions in other planes, and means carried by said skirt portions engaging means on the side walls of said housing to secure the housing within said space.

2. A circuit connection device adapted for combination with an outlet box comprising a circuit connection housing having bottom, top and side portions, a bridge member having a centrally disposed space denecl by flange members lying in a plane and engaging parts of the tcp portion of said housing, and in part by a pair of skirt portions in other planes; and a pair of spring ngers carried by each of said pair of skirt portions engaging means on the side walls of said housing to secure the housing within said space.

3. A circuit connection device adapted for combination with an outlet box comprising a circuit connection housing having bottom, top and side portions, a bridge member having a centrally disposed space deiined in part by ange members lying in a plane and superimposed upon and engaging parts of the top portion of said housing, and in part by subjacent skirt portions in other planes; and spring ngers integral with said subjacent skirt portions engaging means on the side walls of said housing to hold said parts of the top portion of the housing in engagement with said flange members and to thereby secure the housing within said space.

4. A circuit connection device adapted for combination with an outlet box comprising a circuit connection housing having bottom, top and side portions said side portions carrying projections which form recessed parts; a bridge member having a centrally disposed space defined in part by flange members lying in a plane and superimposed upon and engaging parts of the top portion of said housing, and in part by subjacent skirt portions in other planes; and spring iingers integral with said subjacent skirt portions engaging said recessed parts on the side Walls of said housing and thereby holding said parts of the top portion of said housing in engagement with said flange members and securing the housing Within said space.

5. A circuit connection device adapted for oombination with an outlet box comprising a bridge member having a centrally disposed opening deiined in part by flanges and in part by skirt portions extending in a plane substantially at right angles to the plane of said flanges, a circuit connection housing adapted to be placed between said skirt portions and having a portion extending through said opening, shoulders on said housing adapted to engage with the flanges of said bridge member, and means for maintaining said shoulders in engagement with said iianges comprising spring fingers carried by said skirt portions below the plane of said anges and means on said housing adapted to engage with said spring fingers.

JOSEPH WERTZHEISER. 

